Ideal Heating - Experts & Thought Leaders

Keston, by Ideal Heating, celebrated a successful attendance at ElementalLONDON 2025, held at ExCel London on 19–20 November, where it showcased its UK-manufactured twin flue boiler range to installers, specifiers and building-services professionals from across the UK. Across the two-day event, Keston highlighted its range of twin flue boilers, including its popular Heat 2 twin flue boiler models, which are available with a variety of Plate Heat Exchanger packages. With outputs from 45 kW to 55 kW and up to 18 metres of twin flue capability, Heat 2 boilers offer a highly flexible solution suitable for a variety of installations. Challenging flue runs Visitors to the event were also able to learn more about Keston’s Combi 2 and System 2 boilers. Featuring a sleek and lightweight design, the Combi 2 and System 2 ranges are ideal for both new build and retrofit projects and offer exceptional siting flexibility. Thanks to the Keston twin flue system, they can be positioned up to 27 metres from the flue outlet, making them suitable for long or challenging flue runs. Visitors to the event were also able to learn more about Keston’s Combi 2 and System 2 boilers In addition, Keston’s popular High Rise Flue Kit was showcased. Constructed in 316 stainless steel, the High Rise Flue Kit offers installers a straightforward and compliant solution for high-rise residential and commercial applications. Large-scale residential properties Commenting on the event, Andrew Dickinson, Senior Business Development Manager said: “Being part of the first ElementalLONDON event gave us the perfect opportunity to connect with professionals who are tackling real-world installation challenges every day. It was great to be able to show how our twin flue technology can support complex system designs and provide greater flexibility for a wide range of projects.” ElementalLONDON 2025 is the UK’s dedicated event for built-environment professionals focused on reducing energy use and carbon emissions in commercial and large-scale residential properties.

Ideal Heating is set to open its fifth Expert Academy training center, a brand-new purpose-built facility in Portishead, near Bristol. Developed in partnership with James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies, the new center will bring industry-renowned training and hands-on experience to heating engineers and installers across the South West. Conveniently located just off the M5, the site offers easy access for installers traveling from Cardiff, Worcester, Reading, and Exeter, making it more simple than ever to upskill in low-carbon heating technologies without traveling long distances. Operational heat pump systems The Portishead center will deliver a comprehensive range of courses, from nationally recognized qualifications in air source heat pumps and hydronic system design, to domestic product training on Ideal Heating’s latest solutions. To support the industry’s transition to renewable technologies, many of the courses will be subsidized or fully funded, helping more installers gain the skills needed for the UK’s journey to Net Zero. Designed around real-world learning, the facility features fully operational heat pump systems and thermodynamic training rigs. Trainees will gain practical, hands-on experience with the very latest equipment in a modern, professional setting – reflecting Ideal Heating’s commitment to building installer confidence and capability. Growing number of installers Andrew Johnson, Training and Design Services Director at Ideal Heating, said: "We’re delighted to be opening our fifth Expert Academy, and especially proud to be doing so in partnership with James Hargreaves. This fantastic new facility will make it easier for heating professionals across the South West to access our award-winning training and build their knowledge in low-carbon technologies." "It’s another important step in expanding our national training network and supporting the growing number of installers who are ready to make the move to heat pumps.” Ideal Heating’s Expert Academy network Martin Healy, National Branch Director at James Hargreaves Ltd added: “We’re proud to be partnering with Ideal Heating to bring the new Expert Academy center to life. Training and supporting installers is so important, and this facility takes that to the next level. It’s fantastic to see such a modern, hands-on space that will help local engineers build their confidence with heat pumps and low-carbon technologies.” Ideal Heating’s Expert Academy network is now one of the largest heat pump training programmes in the UK, with more than 30 locations nationwide – including flagship centers in Hull, Leeds, Luton and Scotland – and 25 satellite sites. Together, they provide the skills and confidence needed to deliver high-quality, low-carbon installations across the country. The Portishead center is set to open late November 2025, with courses beginning shortly afterwards.

Ideal Heating is kicking off the festive season with its first ever Christmas jumper fundraiser. The one-of-a-kind, limited-edition knit is available to pre order now exclusively through Ideal’s Connect platform, with 80% of every sale going to Shelter UK, the housing and homelessness charity. Installers should move fast, with around 200 jumpers being released. Pre orders are live now – giving installers time to wear them on site, during winter call outs or on their Christmas night out. Christmas jumper campaign Each jumper can be redeemed using Connect points, with Ideal Heating covering all postage costs. If users are not already using Connect, now is the perfect time to sign up and start collecting points so they can secure the Christmas jumper while stocks last! This is the first time Ideal Heating has run a Christmas jumper campaign, and the team hopes it will become an annual tradition. The idea brings together two things that matter to installers at this time of year: keeping homes warm and doing something practical to support people who may not have a safe place to call home. Providing frontline services Luke Pykett, Head of Marketing at Ideal Heating explained a little bit more about the campaign: “We spend our days helping installers keep people’s homes warm and comfortable. Shelter’s work is a reminder that for too many people, that basic need is still out of reach. The charity provides frontline services and expert advice to people facing homelessness, and a Christmas Jumper campaign felt like a practical, positive way for us as a business and our installer community to help keep people safe and warm this winter.” Every 12 minutes, a family in England becomes homeless. For families stuck in temporary accommodation, life feels like being on hold. This Christmas, Shelter’s advisers are there to answer urgent calls, giving parents someone to turn to and helping families fight for a safe home. Users donation could mean another family gets the support they need, when they need it most. Families experiencing homelessness There are 172,420 children who are homeless living in temporary accommodation in England. This year, Shelter’s winter message remains the same - families experiencing homelessness face months if not years in unfit temporary accommodation, with little or no support. No family should face homelessness alone this Christmas. The jumpers will be available in sizes Small to XXXL and sold exclusively through Connect. Ideal Heating ASMs will also be wearing them at trade counters throughout December, directing installers to Connect and reminding them to grab one while they still can. Installers who want to get involved are encouraged to log in to Connect early, pre-order their jumper and wear it with pride throughout the festive period.

Training has always been important in the heating sector, not least of all because of the dangers associated with working with gas, the traditionally dominant heating fuel in the UK. With the changes that are occurring across the heating industry, primarily the move towards decarbonization, manifesting in a transition to heat pumps, training is more important than ever. Principles of heat pump technology Training could take the form of a CPD on understanding the guides of heat pump technology That training could take the form of a CPD on understanding the principles of heat pump technology through to specific product training addressing installation, commissioning, and maintenance. Commercial heating training courses are abundant. Unless there is a specific manufacturer’s product you want to train on, how do you choose a training course and provider that is right for you? Here, we look at the key aspects to consider when selecting a training course and training provider. Expertise & knowledge By far the most important aspect of any training is the level of expertise and knowledge of the training providers. The training course needs to be both written and delivered by people who have direct experience in the heating industry. Knowledge or qualifications in training techniques and knowledge transfer are equally important. For contractor-based training, ideally, the trainers will have a background in heating engineering. This enables them to not only cover the core content of a training course but also address how it applies in real working-life situations. Knowledge or qualifications in training techniques and knowledge transfer are equally important. For specifiers looking to expand their knowledge through CPD courses, it’s helpful if these are presented by experienced Specification Managers who understand the needs of a specifier and have extensive knowledge of heating systems. On-site facilities The environment itself plays an important role in the success of the training The environment in which you learn plays an important role in the success (or otherwise) of the training itself, which is often overlooked. Being in a comfortable environment free from distractions will support you to better focus on your learning. Is the training held in a dedicated training center or a makeshift back office room? Is it a comfortable environment in terms of seating, desks, heating/air conditioning? Is the presentation equipment up to scratch? But most important of all, is the heating equipment you are learning about present, and is it functional? Training and Technology Centers  At our Training and Technology Centers, we provide learners with on-site access to a range of commercial heating equipment, including a unique thermodynamic heat pump simulator where they can view the change of state of refrigerant when in operation. Hands-on training for contractors is vital as it enables more learning by doing and problem solving, and therefore, greater depths of understanding can be gained. In our feedback survey, this comes up as one of the most important and popular aspects. It’s one thing to have something presented to you, but to be able to work through scenarios with expert support is quite another. Hands-on training for contractors is vital as it enables more learning by doing and problem-solving. Location A CIBSE-approved CPD, for example, doesn’t require hands-on training We’ve looked at the importance of how a training course is delivered, but where it is delivered also has a role to play. Does the training provider have training facilities nationwide, or in just one location? The latter could make for long travel times and even an overnight stay. Ideal Expert Academies are located around the UK at Hull, Leeds, Dalgety Bay, and Luton. Lastly, not all training needs to be done in person. A CIBSE-approved CPD, for example, doesn’t require hands-on training. In these instances, online training is a good, convenient option. Will the training provider be able to deliver this and how? Is it just a PowerPoint presentation, or are other elements included, such as video, attendee tasks, etc? Range of courses and delivery Having a range of courses is obviously important in that it provides you with choice and allows you to fill in the gaps of your knowledge, as well as learning about emerging technologies and best practices. A good training provider will also provide a flexible delivery model to meet individual learner needs and have the knowledge and expertise to support those with learning difficulties. Good training provider also provides a flexible delivery model to meet individual learner needs. Endorsement Ideal Heating’s adult learning provision was assessed by Ofsted, and they received an excellent report Whilst it’s important to do your own ‘homework’ on training providers, third-party endorsements are very useful. These come in different forms, from customer feedback (there are plenty of forums that provide you with the opportunity to ask for feedback), through to recognized industry awards, and independent assessment. Last year, Ideal Heating’s adult learning provision was assessed by Ofsted, and we received an excellent report, plus our Expert Academy team was recognized as Training Partner of 2024 by Hull City Council for delivering Skills Bootcamp programs for hundreds of learners in the area. We were also delighted to receive the inaugural BESA award for Training Provider of the Year 2024. Cost The last aspect I want to touch on when it comes to training is cost. How much should you pay for training? You should really consider the value you believe will be returned from the program and the provider you choose.  If you are going to benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, you may probably expect that experience may cost more than somewhere very simple and basic. Training providers are businesses, and the good ones do invest heavily in facilities and staff development. The good ones do invest heavily in facilities and staff development. Ideal Heating as a manufacturer strongly believe that our training services are part of what we deliver in our product sales. For this reason, we provide many of our training programs for free or at very low cost, despite the significant investment into our resources. Working alongside our specifiers and installers to meet their training needs builds for a strong relationship and successful projects. Choose wisely Taking time out from your busy schedule to dedicate to training is an investment, financially in some cases, so selecting your training course wisely to maximize that investment is sensible.